How do I wire this? (dumb question)

[Jaguar Fan]

A simple/dumb electrical wiring question.

In a storage room in the garage of a condo (hence I don't have much ability to modify things), I have a standard single pole switch that turns the overhead light on/off.

I'd like to replace that single pole switch with a combo switch/outlet where the switch controls the light, and the outlet I can use for a standard electrical application.

I picked one of these up at Home Depot: http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?item=388753&section=10070&minisite=10026

The directions inside this combo receptical say:

TO INSTALL:

Caution: when installing these devices, a Neutral wire is required for the outlet portion. When only one Black and one White wire are present in the wall box, the the White wire is not necessarily a Neutral wire. If you are unsure or unable to determine the polarity of the two wires, consult a qualified electrician.

Whoops. When I remove the existing single pole switch, there are 3 wires: ground, White and Black. I thought White was always Neutral.

Do Not Use to replace a switch that had been controlling a light with only two wires present.

Well, that's exactly what I have, sort of: one white & one black & one green.

Am I out of luck? Is there a different way to accomplish what I want to accomplish (a light and an outlet?) Did I buy the wrong part?

The diagram inside the package shows two ways to wire this: one where the single pole switch turns off juice to the outlet, and one where the outlet always has electricity. It has to do with breaking off a "fin" that connects screws on one side of the combo unit. However, both diagrams show line & common attaching on the "left" side, and one or two loads on the right side. I don't have that wiring scenario: just one black and one white.

What do I do?

Thanks

 

[aandpdan]

You can't do what you're trying to do. You'd need to run a 3 conductor cable, white/black/red to the switch. I'm not including the green wire as it can't be used in any other way except as a ground.

You have what is called a "switch loop." The power goes in to the fixture, not the switch. If you look at the lamp you'll see two cables coming in to the box. The two black wires are most likely connected together and the two white wires go to each side of the lamp. One of those white wires is actually "hot" and should be marked black. It will be the one coming from the switch. The white wire in the switch box should also be marked black.

The other bad news, in most localities you need a license to do electrical work in a multi-unit dwelling, yup a condo too.

 

[oleguy]

You can't do what you're trying to do. You'd need to run a 3 conductor cable, white/black/red to the switch. I'm not including the green wire as it can't be used in any other way except as a ground.

You have what is called a "switch loop." The power goes in to the fixture, not the switch. If you look at the lamp you'll see two cables coming in to the box. The two black wires are most likely connected together and the two white wires go to each side of the lamp. One of those white wires is actually "hot" and should be marked black. It will be the one coming from the switch. The white wire in the switch box should also be marked black.

The other bad news, in most localities you need a license to do electrical work in a multi-unit dwelling, yup a condo too.

if you have both white wires going to lamp,that is a code violation.in a sw loop,when white is hot it goes to one side of sw.the black then goes back to lite.then you pigtail the neutral in the j-box to go to lite.

 

[mrb]

if you have both white wires going to lamp,that is a code violation.in a sw loop,when white is hot it goes to one side of sw.the black then goes back to lite.then you pigtail the neutral in the j-box to go to lite.

you shouldnt have a hot white anywhere....you have to reidentify it....

 

[oleguy]

yes i did not mention that.but even re identified it shouldnt go to lite.just to sw.this should clarify what i said i hope.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

if you have both white wires going to lamp,that is a code violation.in a sw loop,when white is hot it goes to one side of sw.the black then goes back to lite.then you pigtail the neutral in the j-box to go to lite.

NEC 200.7(C)(2)

You cannot use the white as a return from the switch to the switched outlet, luminaire, etc. (even if you re-mark it, you cannot use it).

Charles

 

[mrb]

NEC 200.7(C)(2)

You cannot use the white as a return from the switch to the switched outlet, luminaire, etc. (even if you re-mark it, you cannot use it).

Charles

thanks

 

[aandpdan]

Yes, thanks for the clarification on switch loops.

 

[JamieK]

I'm not sure how many codes you would be breaking, but in an emergency...

 

[avc8130]

NEC 200.7(C)(2)

You cannot use the white as a return from the switch to the switched outlet, luminaire, etc. (even if you re-mark it, you cannot use it).

Charles

Maybe NOW you can't, but you will find that exact situation all over the US. Most likely in just about every home ever built.
ac

 

[Aceman]

Maybe NOW you can't, but you will find that exact situation all over the US. Most likely in just about every home ever built.
ac

I think you're confused. Charles posted that you can't use the white FROM the switch.

What you're talking about is a standard 2 wire switch loop. They are very common. The way they're done is the white FEEDS the switch, the black then GOES FROM THE SWITCH to the fixture. Then you have a black AND white wire at the fixture.

I think I've heard the 2011 NEC is going to require a neutral at every switchbox, so this isn't even going to be an issue anymore.